Outlook report

Seaweed – A Versatile Ingredient in a Changing Market: Collaboration with South Korea

Seaweed has the potential to revolutionize the shift toward sustainability. With its potential for wide-ranging use in food products and emerging applications across various industries, this adaptable marine plant could play a key role in the green transition. Grown without requiring land or fertilizers, seaweed offers an eco-friendly alternative with far-reaching benefits worldwide.

The rising global interest in incorporating seaweed into food production is fueled by the need for more sustainable food sources and the recognition of its numerous health and medical advantages. Despite this, only a small number of seaweed species are currently cultivated on a large scale.

South Korea has emerged as a leader in seaweed production, making significant investments in research and development over the past decade. Within just ten years, the country has successfully developed 37 new seaweed varieties that are more productive and resistant to climate change. Additionally, South Korea utilizes advanced cultivation technologies that improve efficiency while maintaining sustainability.

A recent report by Innovation Centre Denmark Seoul explores the potential of seaweed-driven green innovation, highlighting opportunities for collaboration between Denmark and South Korea.

Danish opportunities

Although seaweed is not a traditional part of the Danish diet, Denmark is a leader in food innovation and sustainable technology. As global interest in seaweed continues to rise—spanning applications from food production to bioplastics—Denmark is well-equipped to develop and market products that capitalize on the unique benefits of seaweed.

Since 2021, Innovation Centre Denmark has played a key role in supporting the Danish-Korean Blue Bioeconomy Alliance, a research network that links researchers, universities, and businesses in both nations. This alliance promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange on seaweed and its potential uses.

Potential for global collaboration

The Innovation Centre Denmark Seoul report, Seaweed – A Versatile Ingredient in a Changing Market: Collaboration with South Korea, explores the global challenges and opportunities in the seaweed industry. It highlights how South Korea’s advanced production technologies and Denmark’s innovative strengths can complement each other to meet the rising demand for sustainable seaweed products in Europe and beyond.

Expanding the seaweed industry requires a global push to scale up production, introduce new species, and integrate modern technologies. With their combined expertise, Denmark and South Korea are well-positioned to drive this effort, establishing seaweed as a key player in the green transition.

Contents

  • Introduction
  • What is seaweed?
  • Quest for collabortation
  • Cultivation and use
  • New seaweed markets
  • All about South Korea

The outlook report is prepared and published by Innovation Centre Denmark Seoul.

Kersti Haugan

Kersti Haugan

Senior Business Development Manager

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